of 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water. Get an adult’s help to handle the bleach.
•Bright sunlight will fade shell colors.
•Finish shell projects with a clear gloss acrylic spray sealer if desired.
UNDER THE SEA BOX
This bright and cute box is large enough to hold all your souvenirs from a sandy vacation, or an entire collection of shells. Pick your favorites to use as the decoration on the top!
MATERIALS
•3 medium fan shells
•3 small fan shells
•Assorted shells and starfish
•8" x 11" (20 x 28cm) blue storage box
•Sandpaper
•Decorative netting
•Acrylic paints in white, orange, and toffee
•Paintbrush
•Foam letter stamps
•3 small wiggle eyes
•Hot glue
1.Paint the fan shells orange and allow to dry.
2.Stamp words on the side of the box with toffee paint and allow to dry. Tear a piece of sandpaper to fit along the bottom of the lid and glue in place. Glue assorted shells, starfish, and netting on top of the sandpaper.
3.Glue pairs of shells to form fish as shown. Paint white bubbles above the fish. Glue a wiggle eye onto each fish.
SHELLY SWITCH PLATES
Project by Linda Valentino
Create a caricature shell character for a switch plate to jazz up any room!
MATERIALS
•Assorted shells
•Wooden switch plate
•Acrylic paints in desired colors, plus white
•Paintbrush
•1¼" (3cm) wooden circle for face
•Craft thread
•Black 22-gauge wire
•Wire cutters or old scissors
•Black permanent marker
•Foam adhesive letters
•Red chalk
1.Paint the switch plate in your desired colors and the wood circle to use as the face. Allow to dry. Add a name in foam adhesive letters.
2.Cut and shape wires for arms and legs. Position the shells, head circle, and wires. First glue down the head and the wires, then glue the shells on top.
3.Cut pieces of craft thread to form hair and glue them on. Dot on eyes and draw on a smile with black permanent marker. Color rosy cheeks with red chalk. Add a tiny dot of white paint on the cheeks. Draw stripes on a shell for a shirt.
EMBEDDED SHELL ACCESSORIES
Project by Linda Valentino
With one simple technique, you can embed a beautiful layer of shells on virtually any surface. Here are some nifty ideas to get you started.
MATERIALS (POT)
•Assorted shells
•Modeling compound such as Model Magic by Crayola
•2½" (6.5cm)-diameter clay pot
•Blue acrylic paint
•Paintbrush
•Foam adhesive letters
1.Follow the instructions on the package to apply modeling compound to the pot. Embed shells and allow to dry.
2.Paint the pot blue and allow to dry.
3.Stick on adhesive letters.
MATERIALS (MIRROR)
•Assorted shells
•Modeling compound such as Model Magic by Crayola
•6" (15cm) mirror with wide frame
•Ribbon for hanging (optional)
•Glue (optional)
1.Follow the instructions on the package to apply modeling compound to the mirror frame. Embed shells and allow to dry.
2.If desired, glue on a ribbon loop for hanging.
MATERIALS (BOX)
•Assorted shells
•Modeling compound such as Model Magic by Crayola
•3¼" x 4¼" (8 x 10.5cm) storage box
•2" x 3" (5 x 7.5cm) mirror
•Pink acrylic paint
•Paintbrush
•Hot glue
1.Follow the instructions on the package to apply modeling compound to the box top. Embed shells, leaving a space for the mirror, and allow to dry.
2.Glue the mirror to the top of the lid.
3.Paint the body of the box pink and allow to dry.
SEASIDE MONOGRAM
This monogram is a perfect gift for someone who loves the ocean. Decorate their first initial with shells so that they can have a reminder of the sea right in their home!
MATERIALS
•Assorted shells
•Wood letter
•24" (61cm) of 1¼" (3cm)-wide brown organza ribbon
•Tacky glue
1.Apply tacky glue generously all over the surface of the letter. Cover the letter with shells and allow to dry.
2.Staple two pieces of ribbon to the back of the letter and tie a bow at the top for hanging.
SHELL BOX
Project by Julie McGuffee
This classy box takes seashell crafting to the next level. The doilies add sand-like texture, the ribbon adds a bit of glitz, and the shells simply shine.
MATERIALS
•Assorted shells
•7" (18cm) hexagon storage box
•6" (15cm) round tan crocheted doily
•3" (7.5cm) tan tassel
•24" (61cm) of tan ¼" (0.5cm)-wide satin ribbon
•24"